Benefits & Discounts

Marie BrownOutreach/Program Coordinator Ext.7676Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Social Security Announces2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2019

Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2019. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 62 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2019. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2018. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail in early December about their new benefit amount. This year, for the first time, most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their my Social Security account. People may create or access their my Social Security account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2019, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2019 are announced. Final 2019 benefit amounts will be communicated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security Message Center.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

The Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15, 2018 until December 7, 2018. Changes made during this time will become effective January 1, 2019. During the annual enrollment period (AEP) you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage.

• You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.

• You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.

If you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during the general open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you don’t want to make changes to your coverage for the coming year, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment.

Be aware that your benefits and premium could change from one year to the next. So even if you’re confident that you want to keep your current coverage for the following year, it’s important to make sure you understand any changes that may apply.

Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment732-329-4000 x7676

You’re getting a new Medicare card!

Cards will be mailed to New Jersey Residents beginning July 2018 and September 2018. Medicare we’ll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity. You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits. You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed.

Here’s how you can get ready:

■ Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

■ Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. We’ll never ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.

■ Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

How to Apply online for Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security offers an online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes. It's so easy. Better yet, you can apply from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. There's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you're done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed.

Medicare Counseling (S.H.I.P)Assistance is available to help you understand Medicare information including supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO’S) & Part D Drug coverage. Assistance is also available for medical claims, appeals & hospital billing problems & employer health plans in conjunction with Medicare. SHIP services are available to those with medicare and their caregivers or representatives. Contact Marie Brown, a certified SHIP counselor, at 732-329-4000 x 7676, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Property Tax Deduction for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons

Annual deduction of up to $250 from property taxes for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled who meet certain income and residency requirements. This benefit is administered by the local municipality.

HOME ENERGYThe Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 1-800-510-3102 is designed to help low-income households meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. The maximum monthly income to qualify for a household of 1 is $1980 and for a household of 2 is $2,670.

The Universal Service Fund (USF)1-866-240-1347. USF is a program created by the State of New Jersey to help make natural gas and electric bills more affordable for low-income households. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you pay for gas and electricity. The maximum monthly income to qualify for a household of 1 is $1733 and for a household of 2 is $2,337. In addition you must pay more than 3% of your annual income for electric, or more than 3% for natural gas. USF accepts applications all year.* You can apply for both LIHEAP and USF with one application; you may be eligible for both. Applications for USF accepted all year.

NJ Lifeline

1-800-792-9745 a $225.00 annual benefit is available for seniors 65+ or persons receiving SSD benefit. Income must not exceed for a single person $26,575 or 32,582 for a married couple. Applications accepted all year.

Eligibility is based on household size and income. Participants are families and individuals who do not qualify for Federal and State assistance programs due to the household’s income. NJ SHARES Grant amounts can be up to $700 for heating source (natural gas - including cooking gas and electric heat), and can be up to $500 for electric service. Grants must result in continuance and/or restoration of service. Applicants must demonstrate a temporary financial need and a history of good-faith payments to their energy provider.

Eligibility Guidelines

Applicants Must:

• Reside in New Jersey

• Be experiencing a financial crisis, such as a job loss or illness

• Be behind on their energy bill

• Have income over the limit for Federal programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and state programs such as the Universal Service Fund (USF)

• Have an income level that does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Level

• Have made a good-faith payment of $100 or more within 90 days of applying for NJ SHARES

Guidelines for Seniors and the Disabled:

• Applicants 65 years of age or older, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $70,000 gross annually or $5,833 gross monthly. Proof of age is required.

• Applicants receiving Federal Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $70,000 gross annually or $5,833 gross monthly. Applicants must show proof of Federal SSD benefit.

Weatherization Assistance Program

732-828-4541 helps seniors, disabled residents and low income households weatherize their homes to improve heating system efficiency, conserve energy and decrease utility bills. The weatherization program can provide you with tools such as insulation, caulking, weather stripping and assistance to repair or replace windows, furnace/boiler, heat exchange or distributions systems.

TRUE Grant - New ProgramThe New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has created a brand new program called Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses (TRUE) Program funding to the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA). This one-time TRUE Grant assistance, administered by the AHA, is intended for low to middle income New Jersey residents who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The maximum grant is $750 for electric and $750 for gas service, depending on your balance owed. Funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

To be eligible you must:

Be past due with your electric or gas account; and utility service not disconnected.

Have paid at least four payments of $25 in the last six months. Three payments must be made 30 days before application; and

Not be eligible or received LIHEAP or USF in the last year; and

Annual income per client household size must fall within the following range:

How to Apply:Applications are available at the South Brunswick Senior Center or may be downloaded and submitted online at www.pseg.com/help or call 1-855-465-8783. Applications are also available at all PSE&G Customer Service Centers.

PAAD- The Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, is a state funded prescription program, which helps eligible NJ residents with the cost of prescribed medications. Cardholders pay $5 for generic drugs and $7 for covered brand name drug. PAAD participants will use PAAD benefits together with Medicare Part D benefits for covered medications. PAAD will pay Medicare Part D premiums and deductibles.

2018 Income GuidelinesSingle - less than - $27,188

Married - less than - $33,334

Senior GoldThe Senior Gold Prescription plan provides prescription drugs to eligible New Jersey residents for $15.00 per prescription plus 50% of the remaining of each covered prescription. Once cardholders reach annual out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $2000 for single and $3000 for married couples per eligibility year, they pay only $15.00 per prescription for the balance of that eligibility period. A Medicare Part-D plan can be used in conjunction with Sr. Gold.

Applications for all programs are available at the Sr. Center or by calling 1-800-792-9745.

2017 Senior Gold Limits:

Single Income between $26,655 and $36,655Married Income between $32,680 and $42,680

HAADHearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled provides a $100.00 reimbursement to eligible persons who purchase a hearing aid.

Eligibility Requirements for PAAD & HAAD

• You must be a NJ resident and your Income is less than $26,575 if you are single or less than $32,582 if you are married

Eligibility is determined based on your income or participation in other assistance programs. In general, if you participate in any of the following programs you also may qualify for telephone assistance: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Work First New Jersey (TANF), General Assistance, Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline Assistance, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Food Stamp Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP),Medicaid.

Telephone assistance is available to you if you are a qualified residential telephone customer. When you are seeking telephone assistance, please keep in mind that each telephone company and/or each program has different eligibility requirements, different benefits available and different restrictions. Some programs have restrictions on the optional services available to participants.

The following list of telephone service providers participate in Lifeline Assistance and Link Up programs in New Jersey:

1) If you are a Verizon New Jersey customer, please call NJSHARES at 1-888-337-3339 or visit them at NJSHARES for more information.2) Tracfone - 1-800-977-3768 - www.safelink.com

3) Virgin Mobile - To learn more about Assurance Wireless and to apply, New Jersey residents should call 1-888-898-4888, or visit www.assurancewireless.com

If you need assistance with applying for any of the above mention programs or more information please contact Marie at 732-329-4000 x7676.

MCMAP Program

Middlesex County Multi-Assistance Program (MCMAP) Program provides assistance for the homebound frail/elderly, age 65 +, and disabled adults age 18-64 in need of services to help them remain safely in the community. Participants must require Activity of Daily Living (ADL) help.

Eligibility Criteria• Must be a Middlesex County Resident• Must be frail/elderly or disabled 18-64• Must not be on Medicaid or any other subsidized home care program• Income and & Assets cannot exceed $50,000

MCMAP Services may include Home Healthcare, Social Adult Day Care, Medical Adult Day Care, Home Delivered Meals, Durable Medical Supplies and Medical Equipment and Home Modifications.

Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) Program

JACC- is a program that provides in-home services to seniors at risk of placement in a nursing facility. JACC includes an array of services designed to supplement assistance given by the individual’s caregiver network. Participants work together with a care manager to develop a plan of care to best meet their needs.

Eligibility Criteria

NJ resident age 60 and older

Requires a nursing facility level of care but wishes to remain at home

Is not financially eligible for Medicaid Waiver Services

Income for an individual is $42,600 or $57,420 annual income for a couple

Has resources at or below 40,000 for an individual or 60,000 for a couple

If you any questions regarding these services please call Middlesex County Office on Aging & Disabled Services at (732) 745-3295. Or Marie at ext 7676

VETERANS INFORMATION

NJ Veterans Memorial HomesProvide Long Term Care, Respite Care, and Adult Day Care… If you are responsible for the long term care and well being of a New Jersey veteran, a New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home may be the right nursing home choice for your love one. Residents receive compassionate medical and nursing care 24 hours a day as well as a variety of on site recreational programs and off site trips. Services also include barber services, transportation, library, chapel, rec rooms and snack bars. Respite care is also available for caretakers who need a rest from the stress of caring for a veteran at home. Currently there are three homes located in New Jersey which are in the following locations Paramus, 201-967-7676, Ext. 294, Menlo Park in Edison 732-452-4272, and Vineland 856-696-6357.

Annual Deduction for Veterans: Annual deduction of up to $250 from property taxes due on the real or personal property of qualified war veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. This benefit is administered by the local municipality.

Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans:Full exemption from property taxes on a principal residence for certain totally and permanently disabled war veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. Unmarried surviving spouses of service persons who died on wartime active duty may also qualify. This benefit is administered by the local municipality.

MISCELLANEOUSNJ Transit Reduced Fare Coupons Reminder...Coupons are available from Christine at the Senior Center. If you're a senior citizen 62 years of age or older you can get a coupon book for 50% off fares on bus and trains when you ride with NJ TRANSIT. See Christine for assistance with this program; if you are 62-64 you will fill out a NJ transit application with her. If you are over 65 you will just show your Medicare card and receive the coupons.

Water and Sewer Senior /Disabled DeductionAny person residing in a dwelling owned by her/him to whom water and/or sewer services are charged may be eligible for a deduction it they are 65 or more years or less then 65 years of age and disabled according the Federal Social Security Act. Applications for customers already receiving discount will be mailed.

Applications are available at the center or by calling the W&S Department at ext.7329.

Job BankThe job bank will match seniors who are looking to earn extra dollars working part time with employers. There is an active database of local companies who have job openings. The Office on Aging will act as a referral source for seniors to these job opportunities. Assistance in job preparedness, resume writing and job search is also available. If interested stop by and complete a Job Bank Application today. Employers are welcome to call in their openings.

Need Help? Start Here --- Dial 211Connect with a caring professional who knows community resources. When you dial 2-1-1 you will reach a live operator at a non emergency hotline 24 hours a day. The hotline assists callers with free and confidential help. The operator can link the consumer to private and government agencies located in their community. Whether it’s nursing care, emergency assistance, Housing, Respite Care, Transportation, Support Groups confidential help is available 24/7. Call 2-1-1 or click below for their website

Comcast Cable CustomersSeniors Citizens & disabled citizens who meet the eligibility requirements for Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged & Disabled (PAAD) will be eligible for a 10% discount on the Limited Basic Service Package. As of January 1, 2017, Maximum income limits are less than $26,655 if single; less than $32,680 for a married couple. Click her for: Comcast-Xfinity Website.

Motor Vehicle DiscountIf you are a senior on PAAD you are eligible for a motor vehicle discount. To apply when your registration comes due you send a copy of your PAAD card and deduct the amount right off of what you owe on the bill. If your car is less than 2 years old, deduct $20.00. If your vehicle is more than 2 years old, deduct $7.50. This is not a reimbursement you just take it right off your bill.

AARP Driving CourseCompletion of this 2 day course gives you a discount off your car insurance. Courses offered occasionally at the center or thru AARP. Go to their website for other class locations.AARP Website

BookmobileComes to the Senior Center every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL – We have a comprehensive listing of information on programs and services available to seniors and the disabled population of South Brunswick, including entitlement programs, senior discounts, housing alternatives, support services & more. Please make an appointment for help with benefit applications, Food Stamps, PAAD, SLMB, home energy, property tax rebate, etc.DTV WEBSITE